Intelligence agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency, look for intelligence analysts with specific skill sets. The skills you bring to the table are what really counts in intelligence jobs, and age isn't an important factor, except in a very small subset of jobs. The FBI or CIA websites don't specify age limitations for analysts, and odds are these organizations will hire you at age 40, 50 or 60 if you speak fluent Arabic or Chinese or have specialized information technology, cryptography or cybersecurity skills.

Having the Right Skills

American intelligence organizations look for employees from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. According to the FBI website, the most sought-after IA backgrounds include biochemistry, bioterrorism, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, international law and relations, engineering, forensic science and forensic accounting. Those who speak Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi or Arabic, or who have in-depth cultural knowledge of areas including Central Asia, China, Korea and the Middle East, are also in great demand.

Physically Fit and Mentally Agile

Although age discrimination is illegal, job candidates over the age of 40 do need to be aware of the possibility and come up with a plan to deal with it. One idea is to prepare for an interview by learning as much as you can about the position and employer so you can be knowledgeable and confident in the interview. Another good idea is to point out you have just learned a new skill, such as a new programming language, or have recently earned a relevant industry certification. Mentioning that you just finished your first half-marathon or came in second in your recreational tennis league this summer can't hurt, either.

Don't Avoid Discussing Your Age

Confront the issue of your age head on if you can see any of your interviewers considers it an issue. Go ahead and deal with the elephant in the room rather than ignore it. Consider approaching the issue tangentially by pointing to specific aspects of your work history that illustrate your ability to manage change in the workplace. Don't be confrontational, but try to get your interviewers to discuss the issue.

Clean Background and Strong References

You have to have a squeaky clean personal and professional background to work for the FBI or CIA. Even a poor credit record or a delinquent student loan can be a deal breaker. You'll also have to pass a series of aptitude and subject area tests as well as a drug screening and multiple interviews. Strong references from successful professionals or government officials will also boost your chances of landing a job.

About the Author

Clayton Browne has been writing professionally since 1994. He has written and edited everything from science fiction to semiconductor patents to dissertations in linguistics, having worked for Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Steck-Vaughn and The Psychological Corp. Browne has a Master of Science in linguistic anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Photo Credits

Have Feedback?

Thank you for providing feedback to our Editorial staff on this article. Please fill in the following information so we can alert the Work editorial team about a factual or typographical error in this story. All Fields are required.